Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith Silver Gilt Wine Labels

- Item No.

Key Features

Item Details

Width:
3 1/4 Inches

Height:
3 1/4 Inches

Period:
19th Century

Origin:
England/Ireland

This superb set of six silver gilt wine labels was crafted by acclaimed Georgian silversmiths Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith. A design of exquisite beauty and intricacy, the labels are adorned with a lavish grapevine design, the hallmark by which this illustrious partnership is known, and each is emblazoned with the name of a different cordial, including Burgundy, Champagne, Hock, Madeira, Port and Claret.

The partnership of Digby Scott and Benjamin Smith produced some of the greatest silver works of the early 19th century. Scott and Smith jointly ran workshops located in Greenwich, England from 1802 to 1807. During Scott and Smith's brief partnership, they were the principal suppliers of silver masterpieces to the esteemed firm of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the jewelers and silversmiths to the royal family from 1798 to 1843. Working in the cusp of the late Georgian and early Regency periods, the works of these amazing artisans often feature elements of the classical revival style such as grapevines and rams' heads, all crafted in exquisite, sumptuous detail. One of their most renowned collaborative efforts, the Duke of York Baskets, which was created for Frederick Augustus (1763-1827), second son of George III, is currently on display at the Powerhouse Museum in Australia.